Poitrenaud eager to lay down marker

10 February 2011 14:41pm

By Sportsbeat

Clement Poitrenaud stretches his legs against Scotland

Clement Poitrenaud

France full-back Clement Poitrenaud admits he has been handed a massive confidence boost by his promotion to the starting XV for their RBS 6 Nations encounter with Ireland but promised not to get all his party tricks out at the Aviva Stadium.

With Damien Traille replacing Maxime Mermoz in the centres, Poitrenaud fills the berth at full-back.

But while Poitrenaud is traditionally associated with French flair, he concedes he has to know when to mix-up his game against the Irish.

"I came out of last year's Six Nations boosted by my performances," said Poitrenaud.

"Afterwards, things became a little more complicated. In November, I wasn't called up for various reasons but I refused to get depressed about it, and I continued to work at my game.

"I was already happy to be in the 22 (for the opening 34-21 victory over Scotland).

"Today, I am a starter, unfortunately because of Maxime Mermoz's shoulder injury.

"I am happy, as it is proof of the confidence they have in me just months away from the World Cup.

"People should not count on me to run every ball that comes to me.

"I have developed other facets to my relaunching of the attack other than running with it, which was perhaps my one quality when I began rugby.

"If I need to use my kicking game, I will employ it.

"The Irish know us, as they play against us regularly in the European Cup.

"They know very well that we are above all fond of running the ball out of defence and they will be on their guard.

"It is imperative that we don't focus solely on running it and to realise that we will have to kick the ball as well."